In Praise of the Nanny State

Published: Feb. 4, 2011, 9 p.m.

Alain de Botton asks why the idea of a nanny state is so unappealing. He says complete freedom - left totally to our own devices - is rarely what we want. He says there's a lot to be said for the odd paternalistic nudge in the right direction.

Producer: Adele Armstrong.